Sheriff’s deputies race to top of their class
WEST CHESTER » Two members of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office revved into high gear recently for an intensive, two-week, motorcycle training course, graduating at the top of their class.
Deputy Jeffrey DiVito and Deputy Peter Gardner logged the highest scores on the final exam of the 80-hour course, which was designed by Northwestern University. Certified instructors staffed the program at the Philadelphia Police Training Bureau.
“I can’t say enough about how great the instructors were,” said DiVito, who joined the Chester County Sheriff’s Office 16 years ago. “They never got nervous. They never thought we couldn’t do it.”
But he and Gardner, both of whom own motorcycles and have years of riding experience, didn’t always share that confidence. In fact, after spending hours each day navigating an obstacle course, their idea of a terrifying Halloween costume would be someone dressed up as an orange cone.
“Day one was an absolute culture shock,” Gardner said, describing a grueling regimen that challenged mental as well as physical abilities.
DiVito agreed. He explained that the motorcycles used in the course were Harley Davidsons that easily weighed twice as much as the vehicles he and Gardner were used to riding. He recalled his initial reaction when the instructors outlined the course: “You want me to do what with that?”
The program consisted of more than half a dozen exercises in precision that involved slow course riding – about 4 mph – with emphasis on high-speed braking and evasive maneuvers. Other skills that were covered included negotiating curves, managing hazardous conditions, and handling car stops.
As the course progressed, both deputies got hooked, often doing extra drills during their lunch break. Gardner said a strong bond developed among all of the students as well as the instructors. “There was great camaraderie — an attitude that we’re all in this together,” Gardner said.
DiVito said he knew he was enjoying the challenge when his reaction to the end of instruction each day was the same: “I didn’t want to leave.”
Still, Gardner said, he wasn’t sure he would achieve the 75 percent score needed to pass the course until it happened. His fear was justified: Two days before the final exam, he logged a 36. And then, the training suddenly clicked, ultimately leading to a grade of 96.
DiVito, who completed the course with a 90, said he felt fortunate to have had the opportunity. He said years of working with gun permits in the Sheriff’s Office have reinforced the importance of safety training.
“Just because you’re buying newer, bigger, or better isn’t going to help you ride better or shoot better, you need to put in the time and get training,” he said, applauding the motto of the Philadelphia Police Academy: “earned, not given.”
The importance of safety was underscored when three Philadelphia Highway Patrol officers sustained injuries during a recent motorcycle formation. The officers were performing during the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference, which was held last week in Philadelphia.
DiVito and Gardner will join the Chester County Sheriff’s Wheels Unit, a detail that requires duties that range from toy runs to funeral escorts.
“We are extremely proud of Deputy DiVito and Deputy Garner on this commendable achievement,” said Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh. “They showed dedication and focus and represented the Sheriff’s Office with professionalism and superior skill.”
In the meantime, DiVito is already scouring eBay for a Harley.